Black cohosh: Efficacy, safety, and use in clinical and preclinical applications

Actaea racemosa L (formerly Cimicifuga racemosa [L] Nutt) (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cohosh, is an herb native to Eastern North America. Black cohosh has a history of traditional use among Native Americans for t he treatment of a variety of disorders, including various conditions unique to women such as amenorrhea and menopause. Contemporary uses of black coho sh are primarily geared toward the treatment of symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, and menopausal anxiety and depression. Extracts also have been shown to be useful for younger women suffering hormonal deficits follo wing ovariectomy or hysterectomy, as well as for juvenile menstrual disorde rs. A number of clinical studies using Remifemin, a standardized extract, h ave demonstrated efficacy for the alleviation of menopausal complaints. The safety profile of black cohosh is positive, with low toxicity, few and mil d side effects, and good tolerability. In European phytotherapy, Remifemin is commonly prescribed as an effective alternative to hormone replacement t herapy, for menopause.